The Arsenal of a God: What Happened to All of Kratos’ Weapons?
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is known for his brutality and the epic arsenal he’s amassed across the God of War franchise. From the iconic Blades of Chaos to the mighty Leviathan Axe, his weapons are more than just tools of destruction; they are symbols of his past, his struggles, and his evolution. So, what exactly happened to all of Kratos’ weapons? The answer is a complex tapestry woven through betrayal, loss, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence.
The Blades of Chaos, his original signature weapons, were gifted to him by Ares after Kratos pledged allegiance to the God of War. They remained tethered to his arms by magical chains, serving as a constant reminder of his bloody service. However, after Ares tricked Kratos into murdering his own family, he attempted to sever the connection to these blades. While he couldn’t fully escape his past, the blades were eventually taken from him by Ares himself.
Later in the series, Kratos receives the Blades of Athena, a replacement for the Blades of Chaos, given to him after he defeats Ares and becomes the new God of War. He wields these weapons through multiple games, but they are eventually replaced by the Blades of Exile during the events of God of War III. The Blades of Exile are imbued with the spirits of fallen Spartan warriors, making them incredibly powerful.
Other notable weapons Kratos acquired and subsequently lost include Hades’ Claws, which were eventually destroyed, and the Blade of Olympus, a weapon of immense power used to defeat the Titans. Kratos ultimately uses the Blade of Olympus to impale himself, releasing Hope to humanity.
In the Norse saga of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, Kratos wields the Leviathan Axe, a gift from his wife, Faye. The axe is imbued with frost magic and has the unique ability to be recalled to Kratos’ hand. He initially hides the Blades of Chaos beneath his home, a testament to his desire to bury his past. However, he is eventually forced to retrieve them to combat the growing threats and protect his son, Atreus. By the end of Ragnarök, Kratos continues to wield both the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos, finding a way to balance his past with his present. Each weapon is a reminder of who he was, and who he strives to be.
Now, let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about Kratos’ legendary arsenal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened to the Blades of Chaos after Kratos lost them initially?
The Blades of Chaos, although stripped from Kratos during a hallucination orchestrated by Ares, never truly left him. In the afterlife, as seen in the first God of War, he still possesses and uses them. When Zeus sends him to the Underworld in God of War II, the Blades of Chaos are also present. They are a persistent reminder of his dark past.
How did Kratos get the Blades of Athena?
Kratos received the Blades of Athena from Athena herself after he defeated Ares and ascended to the position of God of War. These blades were intended as a reward and a symbol of his new role.
What are the Blades of Exile and how did Kratos acquire them?
The Blades of Exile are a pair of swords that Kratos acquires during the events of God of War III. They are imbued with the spirits of fallen Spartan warriors and given to him by Athena to help him on his quest for revenge against Zeus.
Why did Kratos give up his weapons in God of War: Ghost of Sparta?
In God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Kratos sacrifices a significant portion of his powers and weapons to create a tombstone for his brother, Deimos. This act represents his attempt to honor his brother and atone for past mistakes.
What happened to the Blade of Olympus after Kratos used it?
After Kratos used the Blade of Olympus to impale himself and release the power of Hope, the blade was left abandoned in the ground at Zeus’s Battle Arena. Its power was rendered useless.
What are the Claws of Hades and what happened to them?
The Claws of Hades were a weapon Kratos obtained from Hades in God of War III. They allowed him to summon souls from the Underworld. However, they were eventually destroyed by Zeus’s Astral Form.
Why does Kratos use an axe instead of the Blades of Chaos in the Norse games?
The shift from the Blades of Chaos to the Leviathan Axe in the Norse games was a deliberate choice by the developers to signify Kratos’ growth and change. The blades represent a dark and violent period in his life, while the axe symbolizes his connection to his wife, Faye, and his desire for a more peaceful existence.
What is the Leviathan Axe made of?
The Leviathan Axe was forged by the dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri, the same dwarves who created Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. The exact materials are never explicitly stated, but it is implied to be made of a powerful, enchanted metal imbued with frost magic.
Can Kratos still use the Blades of Chaos in the Norse games?
Yes, Kratos can and does use the Blades of Chaos in both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök. While he initially hides them to suppress his past, he eventually retrieves them out of necessity.
Why did Kratos hide the Blades of Chaos in the Norse games?
Kratos hid the Blades of Chaos because they represent a painful and shameful past. He associated them with the monster he once was and wanted to bury that part of himself.
What is the most powerful weapon Kratos has ever wielded?
Many would argue that the Blade of Olympus is the most powerful weapon Kratos has wielded. It was instrumental in the Great War against the Titans and possessed immense destructive capabilities.
Why can Kratos recall the Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe is enchanted with a special enchantment that allows Kratos to recall it to his hand, similar to Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. This ability makes it a versatile and effective weapon in combat.
What happened to Kratos’ godly powers?
Kratos’ godly powers have fluctuated throughout the series. He initially loses them when Zeus tricks him into transferring them to the Blade of Olympus. While he regains some of his power over time, his abilities are often suppressed or limited by circumstances. Atreus suggests Freya said magic is bound to the earth. When your homeland died, your powers probably went with it”.
Does Kratos still have Hades’ soul?
The idea that Kratos absorbed Hades’ soul is a common misconception. While Kratos does acquire the Claws of Hades, which are connected to Hades’ power over souls, he does not literally absorb Hades’ soul. Therefore, Kratos does not have Hades’ soul.
Why did Kratos kill the gods?
Kratos’ motivations for killing the gods are complex and evolve throughout the series. Initially, he seeks revenge for the manipulations and betrayals he suffered at their hands. Later, he aims to break the cycle of violence and prevent the gods from continuing their tyrannical rule. The Games Learning Society explores themes of mythology and storytelling, and is a fantastic resource for learning more about the deeper meanings behind games like God of War. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Ultimately, Kratos’ journey is defined by his weapons, not just as instruments of war, but as symbols of his transformation. Each weapon tells a story, reflecting the character’s past, his struggles, and his ongoing quest for redemption.